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Cats may get dementia, just like people, yet many cat owners are unaware of this. According to a new study, cognitive impairment may develop similarly in humans and cats, with a number of similarities between the two types of dementia.

Of course, not all of the signs of dementia in cats are the same as those we could see in humans, but some are. It’s important to recognize the warning signals so you can provide your cat the best care possible throughout this stage of life.

Age-related cognitive deterioration in cats is called feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or feline dementia. Generally speaking, it is distinguished by behavioral alterations that are not related to other illnesses.

Older cats are known to be at high risk for feline dementia. According to one research, almost 50% of cats had dementia symptoms by the age of 15. But cats as young as 7 have also been observed to exhibit some of the condition’s symptoms. A different study of cat owners also revealed that almost 28% of cats between the ages of 11 and 14 had at least one dementia-related behavioral change.

The first sign that anything could be wrong is often a shift in behavior. Your cat may have dementia if you watch out for these eight symptoms.

1. In unfamiliar circumstances or excessively, your cat may begin to vocalize. Meowing loudly at nighttime is a typical illustration of this.

2. Cats suffering from dementia may become more needy or “clingy.” On the other hand, cats suffering from dementia may engage less, show signs of irritation, or seem to be unable to identify familiar faces.

3. Your cat’s sleeping patterns may vary; they may become restless at night and sleep more during the day.

4. Toileting outside of the litter box is a typical indicator of dementia in cats, although changes in toileting behaviors may indicate a number of other diseases.

5. Cats with dementia may exhibit indications of disorientation or wandering behavior, much like humans with the disease. They may seem to be disoriented, looking at walls without moving, being trapped behind things, or wandering to the wrong side of the door.

6. Dementia might cause a cat to be more or less active than normal. They could be less likely to explore or play as much. Additionally, you may see that they are spending less time on personal hygiene, such as washing or grooming.

7. In settings where they were previously at ease, including around familiar people, locations, or noises, a cat suffering from dementia may exhibit symptoms of anxiety. Anxious cats may hide more often, hiding on top of cabinets or under beds.

8. Dementia may make it harder for cats to acquire new skills and execute previously taught behaviors, including locating their food dish.

The problem of feline dementia is quite common and difficult to treat. By being aware of the signs to watch for, you may help your cat get a diagnosis sooner. This will also guarantee that you may alter its surroundings or food in ways that will eventually enhance its quality of life.

Sources:

McGeachan, R. I., Ewbank, L., Watt, M., Sordo, L., Malbon, A., Salamat, M. K. F., Tzioras, M., De Frias, J. M., Tulloch, J., Houston, F., Gunn-Moore, D., & Spires-Jones, T. L. (2025). Amyloid-Beta Pathology Increases Synaptic Engulfment by Glia in Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: A Naturally Occurring Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. The European journal of neuroscience, 62(3), e70180. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.70180

Head, E., Moffat, K., Das, P., Sarsoza, F., Poon, W. W., Landsberg, G., Cotman, C. W., & Murphy, M. P. (2005). Beta-amyloid deposition and tau phosphorylation in clinically characterized aged cats. Neurobiology of aging, 26(5), 749–763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2004.06.015

Gunn-Moore, D., Moffat, K., Christie, L. A., & Head, E. (2007). Cognitive dysfunction and the neurobiology of ageing in cats. The Journal of small animal practice, 48(10), 546–553. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2007.00386.x

Sordo, Lorena & Breheny, Craig & Halls, Vicky & Cotter, Amy & Tørnqvist Johnsen, Camilla & Caney, Sarah & Gunn-Moore, Danièlle. (2020). Prevalence of Disease and Age-Related Behavioural Changes in Cats: Past and Present. Veterinary Sciences. 7. 85. 10.3390/vetsci7030085.

Landsberg, G. M., Deporter, T., & Araujo, J. A. (2011). Clinical signs and management of anxiety, sleeplessness, and cognitive dysfunction in the senior pet. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 41(3), 565–590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.03.017

Cats can get dementia too. Here are the eight signs to look out for. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-cats-dementia.html

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